Vol. 471 No. 4
235 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice the steps, if any, which will be taken to substantially increase the Garda strength in view of current crime levels and due to the fact that the total Garda strength has decreased since 1992 by 215 as of 5 November 1996; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21073/96]
236 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice whether 600 new trainees is an adequate response, in terms of Garda resources, to the current levels of crime here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21074/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.
The current Garda recruitment competition covers the period 1995 to 1997 inclusive and provides for the recruitment of a total of 1,050 new gardaí over that period. One of the main elements of the anti-crime measures which I announced in July of this year was the recruitment of a further additional 400 gardaí to the Force over the period July 1996 to October 1997. When both campaigns have been completed, towards the end of 1997, the total recruitment over the 1995-97 period will have been 1,450.
I should also say that the anti-crime package approved in July provided for the recruitment of an additional 200 civilians to facilitate the release of an equivalent number of gardaí for operational duties. I am confident that with the additional recruitment, coupled with continued civilisation and more effective usage of resources, the measures I have taken will maintain the strength of An Garda Síochána at a sufficient level to meet the changing policing needs of our society.
